State Department makes announcement on Japan Published March 17, 2011 By U.S. Dept. of State WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tonight, the Department of State has authorized the voluntary departure (including relocation of safe areas within Japan) for family members and dependents of U.S. government officials who wish to leave Northeast Japan. The U.S. government is also working to facilitate the departure of private American citizens from the affected areas (50 mile radius of the Fukushima reactor) and a Travel Warning containing detailed information has been issued and is available at www.travel.state.gov. U.S. forces remain in Japan and the U.S. has full capability to fulfill our alliance commitments to defend Japan and maintain peace and security in the region. The Department of Defense will implement the Dept. of State-approved voluntary departure for eligible DoD dependents. As with State Dept. dependents, these measures are temporary, and dependents will return when the situation is resolved. Eligible DoD dependents will be given travel instructions by their local commands. Direct queries on this announcement to the Dept. of State. We will update you on DoD plans in the coming days.